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09 July, 2018

Difference between Impotence and Sterility

Both impotence and sterility can affect a man’s sexual health and ability to have children. However, both are different in many ways. Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction (ED), refers to trouble getting or maintaining an erection. This can make it difficult or impossible to have intercourse. Sterility, also known as infertility, refers to an inability to produce or release sperm.

Impotence

For a man to achieve a full erection, several different organs, including those within the nervous system, muscles and blood vessels, need to work in a coordinated fashion. Men can experience trouble in getting an erection if there is any problem in one of these systems. Here are some main causes of impotence:

  • Blood vessel or heart disease
  • Depression or other mood disorders
  • Stress and performance anxiety
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
  • High blood pressure or high cholesterol
  • Medications such as antidepressants, antihistamines, or blood pressure-reducing drugs
  • Nerve damage
  • Obesity
  • Excessive Tobacco or Alcohol use

Erectile dysfunction can also be related to surgery or radiation to treat prostate cancer or treatments for an enlarged prostate. It may also be caused due to emotional issues such as stress, guilt, anxiety or low self-esteem.

Infertility or Sterility

If you’ve been trying to get your partner pregnant for at least a year without success, you may be dealing with infertility. The problem may lie with either partner or both combined. Around one-third of the time, the issue is with the man. Fertility problem in men can be due to trouble in producing or releasing sperm. Some common causes for sterility include:

  • Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation
  • Diabetes
  • Varicocele (enlarged veins in the testicles)
  • Exposure to pesticides and other toxins
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Use of drugs such as steroids
  • Genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis
  • Injury or surgery to the testicles or other organs in the reproductive system
  • Mumps or other infections that may cause an injury in the testicles
  • Sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, gonorrhea, or chlamydia
  • Retrograde ejaculation, when the sperm flows into the bladder instead of through the penis
  • Premature ejaculation
  • Undescended testicle
  • Vasectomy

The cause for male infertility may be unclear. It may be due to the fact that men dealing with infertility often have other symptoms, such as problems with sexual function, reduced desire, swelling in the scrotum, and trouble with ejaculation.

If you need help with impotence or sterility, our doctors at KIMS Cuddles can guide you through it all. Schedule an appointment with our experts today.

*Information shared here is for general purpose Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.

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